Australia in the driving seat

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Clarke, the leading run scorer in the series, passed 50 for the fourth time in the campaign and has now scored more than 400 runs off the England attack.

He was unbeaten on 60 in Australia's 237 for four, a lead of 133, after a free-scoring opening half-hour to the second morning at Headingley.

Fifth-wicket partner Marcus North set the tone for the day when he punched the third ball, from James Anderson, through the covers for four to bring up a half-century stand, of which his own contribution was 11.

England required a good start with the ball after their horror show yesterday but Steve Harmison served up a long hop with his first ball from the rugby stand end, which was clattered through mid-on by Clarke.

A repeat of the stroke in the next over put Clarke on the verge of 50 and he got to the mark, from 78 balls, in the sixth over of the morning.

Meanwhile, Australia all-rounder Andrew McDonald has temporarily left the tour to attend the birth of his first child.

McDonald, 28, is expected to return on August 13 in preparation for the final npower Ashes Test.